Download Canada Population Distribution Reading Activity

Location of Canada
Canada is the largest
country in the Western
Hemisphere in land are.
It is the second largest
country by land area in
the entire world. Its
southern border
stretches across the norther United States. It is bounded by three
oceans: the Atlantic on the east, the Arctic on the north, and the
Pacific to the west. Alaska forms part of Canada’s western border.
From polar point of view, the country is in an important position
between the United States and Russia.
The population of Canada, about 33 million, is small compared to
its land area. Mexico has about three times the number of people of
Canada. Most Canadians lice on the southern border with the
United States. About 90 percent of Canadians live within 100 miles
of the border with the United States. Most of these live toward the
west and central parts of the country.
Most Canadians live in
cities or towns. Only about 20
percent of the people live in rural
areas. Just over half of the
population lives in one of four
zones. The Golden Horseshoe
zone lies around the southern end
of Lake Ontario and includes
Toronto. About one-fourth of all
Canadian live in the zone.
Another one-fourth of Canadians
live in the three areas of Montreal, British Columbia’s Victoria region
and southern Vancouver Island, and the Calgary-Edmonton area. The
Great Lakes and the St Lawrence River provide important trade routes
into central Canada from the Atlantic Ocean. Excellent railroads and
highways carry goods shipped to either coast. There are nine major
seaports that help the country trade with other countries around the
world.
Climate of Canada
Although Canada is a large country, the climate of the country
keeps most of its people living in just a few areas. Most of the
southeastern part of Canada has a humid continental climate. This
zone is between the subtropical climate to the south and the subarctic
climate in the north. It has warm to hot summers and cold
winters. There can be
up to 60 inches of
precipitation a year.
Snowfall can exceed
100 inches a year in
some parts of
western Canada. The
climate in the
southern and central
parts of the country
allows for a long growing season. Canada’s central plains are important
source of canola, wheat, and other grains.
The area along the Pacific coast has a temperate climate. The ocean
cools the region in summer and keeps it warmer in winter. This region
can get over 100 inches of rain a year. Most of this precipitation
comes in winter.
Moving northward, Canada becomes much colder. Few Canadians
live in the northern regions for this reason. The subarctic and arctic
regions of Canada have long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
It’s possible to have temperatures below freezing even in the summer.
Natural Resources of Canada
Canadians have
a country rich in
natural resources
(gifts of nature).
Some of the most
important of
these resources are
iron ore, nickel,
zinc, copper, gold,
lead,
molybdenum,
potash, diamonds,
and silver. The large number of rivers and lakes are an excellent source
of fish, fresh water, and hydroelectric power. Good soil allows farmer
to grow crops for the people of Canada with enough left over to trade
with other countries. The forest are a major natural resource along
with abundant wildlife. Coal, oil, and natural gas are in large supply as
well. Canadians have enough of these energy resources to supply their
needs and swll the rest to other countries.
Many of the natural resources of Canada are found in remote areas,
Canadians are spread across their country. Small communities are
found across Canada where mining and farming are important.
Workers are needed to fish in rivers and at sea. Goods from these types
of businesses are shipped by rail or highway to the larger cities for trade
with other parts of Canada and the world.
1.
What country is the second largest in the world in land area? _________
2.
What ocean is located to the east of Canada? ____________________
3.
What ocean is located to the west of Canada? ____________________
4.
What ocean is located to the north of Canada? ___________________
5.
Where do most Canadians live?_______________________________
6.
CIRCLE ONE: Most Canadian live in RURAL or URBAN areas.
7.
What two bodies of water are important trade routes? ______________
______________________________________________________
8.
What type of climate does the southeastern part of Canada have?______
______________________________________________________
9.
Why does Canada has a small population in comparison to the amount of
land they have?__________________________________________
______________________________________________________
10.
What types of natural resources does Canada have? ________________
______________________________________________________
11.
What do rivers and lakes provide for Canadians?__________________
______________________________________________________
12.
What type of communities are usually found where mining and farming
are important? ___________________________________________